BOZCAADA

“God created Bozcaada for those who visited there, to have a long life’

  Herodot

 This is , the famous Greek historian, Herodot ‘ s quote, which you will certainly agree at the end of your unforgettable visit to Bozcaada.  This lovely island is also known with its former name ‘ Tenedos ’, which was mentioned in  ‘ the iliad and  odyssey ’ of Homer. The island is situated at the opposite of Troy, and this strategic location was claimed to be the station of the Greek fleet during the legendary Trojan War in the Homer ‘ s account. Bozcaada (Tenedos) lies at the mouth of the Dardanelles, blessed with the beautiful colours of Aegean Sea. Transportation to Bozcaada from Canakkale is easy and frequent. You need to take the mini-busses to Geyikli Yukyeri ferry jetty.  The distance between Canakkkale and Geyikli Yukyeri ferry jetty is about 40 Km. and, then you will have a lovely half hour ferry journey to the island.  The ferry schedule for summer weekeds are as follow. Please consult with the marinelines for the latest updates and more detailled schedule + 90 286 697 81 85.

Bozcaada is a lovely tiny island with several historical places, wonderful beaches, delicous fish dishes and famous vineyards. Bozcaada takes its place on the viniculture literature with the grapes such as Karakız (Kuntra), Karalahana and Vasilaki raised for wine and the famous delicious Cavusuzumu for meals, which is quoted by Evliyacelebi, the wellknown Turkish traveller, as the most tasteful grape in anywherelse. Grape culture is the inseparable part of life in Bozcaada (Tenedos , Tenes) , which also decorates the balconies of beautiful old Greek houses on narrow streets. Every year between July 26 and 28 Vintage Festival is held in Bozcaada ( Tenedos ).  The beauty of the crystal clear waters and lovely beaches will stimulate your praise to the imressive nature of Bozcaada. Some of the well-known beaches of the island can be stated as Ayazma cove, Sulubahce cove, and Habbeli cove.

Due to the island's strategic position, Bozcaada has been occupied by several civilisations such as Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Geneose and Ottomans.  The story of Bozcaada starts with the arrival of Tenes , the son of King Kyknos, to the Leukophrys island, which is renamed as Tenedos ( Tenes ‘s Island).  Pelasginas are thought to be the first inhabitants of the island approximately 5000 years ago. Beginning from the ancient times the strategic location of Bozcaada, which is located at the mouth of Dardanelles, played a critical role in order to control firstly Troia and than the Dardanelles.  More recently the island was used as an air base by the Allied forces in the Gallipoli Campaign of First World War (WW I).

Bozcaada castle is the first historical structure, which attracts your attention, when you come to the harbour. The castle have a very deep history dated back to Phoenicians time with cut stones. Later on, it was restored by the Genoese and the Venetians. After the Ottomon take over, Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordered the reconstruction of the Bozcaada Fort as it is remained today. This was performed by Gedik Ahmet Pasha. Some of the other historical structures that are worth to visit are Koprulu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which was built in the 17th century, and the active church that was remained from Venetians. While you are walking on the streets, old Greek architectural structure can be seen in all narrow streets of lovely Bozcaada

Overall, we strongly reccomend you to visit Bozcaada (Tenedos). The island is a popular tourist stop particularly during July and August and the population reaches up to 15.000 from 2500.